NDA CELEBRATES 69TH RAISING DAY WITH INAUGURATION OF RAMAN BLOCK
On 16 Jan 2017, the National Defence Academy, India’s Premier Tri-service Military Training Institute celebrated its 69th Raising Day. Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India, had laid the foundation stone of this Institution at Khadakwasla on 06 Oct 1949. Six years later on 16 Jan 1955, the National Defence Academy was formally inaugurated by Shri Morarji Desai, the then Chief Minister of Bombay State.
Today, the Academy stands tall among all Service Training Institutions of India, having produced more than 36,000 officers who have fought valiantly over land, sea and the air, to safeguard our frontiers.
To mark the occasion, Air Marshal Jasjit Singh Kler, VM Commandant, NDA laid a wreath at the Hut of Remembrance to pay homage to the gallant officers of NDA, who have laid down their lives in the service of the nation. Cadets, Officers, Staff and NDA alumni from Pune city also paid homage and took the pledge of always abiding by the motto, ‘Service before Self’. The Commandant also presented motivation awards to those employees who have performed admirably and rendered commendable service to the Academy.
On the occasion of NDA Day, the Commandant also inaugurated the newly constructed ‘Raman Block’, named after 2nd Lt PM Raman, an alumnus of the 6th Course of NDA, who on 03 Jun 1956, despite being severely injured by enemy fire and with utter disregard for his own safety, led his platoon and attacked the insurgents hiding in Chephema Village in the Naga Hills. In this gallant act of exemplary leadership and conspicuous bravery, 2nd Lt PM Raman made the supreme sacrifice. The officer was awarded Ashok Chakra Class I, the highest award for gallantry in peace time.
The ‘Raman Block’ will have classrooms and laboratories for the B Tech programme at the Academy.
